WHEN THE CALL TO RESPOND COMES IN, THE thought process for that incident begins. As we listen, we start formulating our plans on what, when, how, why, and who, based on the information being relayed by the dispatch center. This is the normal thought process of all emergency responders, and it is based on the experiences and knowledge they gained from their first day on the job. However, that thought process must take on a new and different view today. The emergency response community now has to understand the response to terrorist events.
The primary issue is, how do we obtain the information necessary for events that often are hazardous materials incidents with a criminal element? We start by using the major signs and symptoms of the incident and the standard information-location, occupancy, timing of the event, type of event, and the on-scene warning signs. This information, along with the initial calls from the scene to the 911 center, forms the basis for our initial decisions. But, when we get on-scene and the incident commander (IC) wants answers, where can we turn for the additional information we need to make the decisions necessary to operate safely, effectively, and efficiently?
RESOURCES
Since these incidents are looked on as events that are similar to hazardous materials incidents, we should consider the current reference materials on hazardous materials as well as the numerous new resources that are now available.
Books
The first reference we can use with great success is the current edition of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). In 2002, the DOT added chemical and military warfare agents; their abbreviations; and pertinent information pertaining to them, including basic identification and recognition, evacuation, personal protective clothing, and evidence preservation. This additional information has been continued in all subsequent editions of the ERG, including the current edition. Note: Keep in mind that the ERG is a basic reference source and that you will need additional information.
You can enhance your front-seat library with many books on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) for first responders. Many are available through state and federal agencies and are free. Among those most commonly used are the National Fire Academy’s Job Aid, Medical Management of Biological Casualties (Blue Book), Medical Management of Chemical Casualties (Yellow Book), and Medical Management of Radiological Casualties (Red Book). The Job Aid has recognition, detection, and basic tactical information. However, it has not been updated recently, and many of the examples used may be outdated or may have changed. All three medical management books have information on chemical, biological, and nuclear treatments, but recognition and detection information is minimal.
The Chem-Bio Handbook, by James Publishing, is probably one of the better books on the shelf today. It has good information and is updated regularly by the publisher. It is easy to read and includes recognition, detection, and many of the treatment options available for chemical and biological events. The First Responder Chem-Bio Handbook, by Tempest Publishing, is another good reference that offers recognition, detection, and many of the treatment options available for chemical and biological events.
Computer Programs
Today’s emergency response agencies have the ability to place computer programs on their apparatus using current technologies such as computer-assisted dispatch (CAD). One excellent reference program is the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER), available from the National Institute of Laboratory Medicine. WISER has two distinct benefits for the first responder. First, it is easy to use. Simple drop-down menus enable you to choose the response options from a fire, hazmat, or EMS perspective. Law enforcement entities can use any of these perspectives based on their response. Second, it is free.
AFTER THE HMRT IS ON-SCENE
Once the hazardous materials response team (HMRT) or hazmat technician capabilities arrive on-scene, the sources of information continue to grow. Many of the standard hazardous materials reference materials in the library the HMRT brings with it include also online computer programs and lists of established contacts with technical specialists and organizations. Many HMRTs carry reference books such as Chemical Hazards Response Information System (CHRIS Manual), the National Institute of Standards and Health (NIOSH) Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials, Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary, The Merck Index, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials (SAX), Emergency Care of Hazardous Materials Exposure, Farm Chemical Handbook, Firefighters’ Handbook of Hazardous Materials, Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, and “Specific/Non Specific Chemical Protective Clothing” (suits, boots, and gloves) compatibility charts.
 Photos by David Handschuh. |
The library contains many computer programs, including the following:
- Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Suite,
- Chemical Reactivity Worksheet,
- WMD for the Palm,
- WMD SWAG,
- HAZMASTER G3 Decision Support System,
- Palmtop Emergency Action for Chemicals (PEAC) Software,
- “Specific/Non Specific Chemical Protective Clothing” (suits, boots, and gloves) compatibility charts, and
- Electronic ICS Forms (NOAA).
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You can also access a number of subscription-based online services and product-specific technical specialists. Many companies offer online material safety data sheet (MSDS) programs, information on specific chemicals and personal protective equipment compatibility, as well as other abilities. Many of these assets are built for specific uses and should be part of the preplan information. Services such as CHEMTREC® (American Chemistry Council) offer assistance that cannot be duplicated. It enables you to obtain information on chemicals and other related topics over the telephone 24 hours a day. Learn how to contact and work with these technical specialists.
Author’s note: The resources mentioned here are presented in no particular order. This information is to advise you of what resources are available today and is not to be considered my recommendations.
The standard HMRT library offers a tremendous amount of information for the HMRT; interpretation of the information is provided up to the levels of hazardous materials technician (HMT), safety officer, and incident commander. These interpretations are based on solid training in the chemistry of hazardous materials, the use of reference materials, a clear understanding of health and safety objectives, and tactical considerations. The HMT can assist in making many decisions using basic decision matrixes by transferring the information obtained and filling out forms that assist in formulating the site safety considerations and the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Today, a tremendous amount of information on terrorist and WMD response is available to us-from books, software, technical experts, and online programs. Using this network of support necessitates training and hard work in developing the resources needed during these types of incidents.
Laptops in the front seat of fire engines can give us the status of the incident based on reports from the scene, preplan information, and online information available through the intranet or Internet. The attitude reflected in the statement, “We don’t do hazmat; that is for the hazmat guys,” is no longer a viable thought process. The necessary tools have been placed in the grasp of anyone who responds to these incidents. All we have to do is make sure that we are trained to use them.
GLEN D. RUDNER has been the hazardous materials response officer for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, assigned to the Northern Virginia area, for the past nine and a half years. He is responsible for coordinating state assets and response during hazardous materials and terrorism incidents. He has 28 years of experience in public safety, including 12 years as a career firefighter/hazardous materials specialist for the Alexandria (VA) Fire Department and eight years as a volunteer EMT, firefighter, and officer with the LaGrange (NY) Volunteer Fire Department. Over the past 10 years, he has been involved in developing and delivering many local, state, federal, and international programs for numerous organizations.
